Category Archives: News

ANOTHER PLANNING PERMISSION GRANTED

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BBM receives planning approval for a low-energy modern house in Mayfield, East Sussex

We are proud to announce, that planning approval has been granted for a low-energy house in Mayfield, East Sussex. The planning committee refused the initial scheme however with some minor alterations this was overturned at appeal.

The project proposes a replacement of the existing 1960’s dwelling with a contemporary low-energy house and associated landscaping to suit. The scheme aims to retain the split level characteristics of its predecessor. Particular sensitivity has been paid in selecting the exterior materials which will have a minimal impact to the surrounding area and account for changing material appearances throughout the properties lifespan. The design features a bipartite elevation consisting of natural stone walling to the lower level and a dark vertical timber at first floor.  Significant amount of glazing to the south elevation of the house will allow for better views over the Weald. The scheme also features a flat meadow hay roof with Photovoltaic and Solar Thermal panels arranged to provide maximum efficiency.

The construction of the new house is expected to begin in the summer of 2019.

DUNCAN BAKER-BROWN ON BBC RADIO 5

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Full interview from the 5th of December 2018 available below

Earlier this month Duncan was interviewed live on BBC Radio 5. He discussed the progress of his current research project taking part at the University of Brighton’s Waste House.  The investigation into re-use of bio and textile materials  as a part of Sustainable Bio & Waste Resources for Construction (SB&WRC) and INTERREG VA France (Channel) England The Waste House has incorporated new recycled and reused materials into the building fabric.

‘The Waste House is almost entirely made from thrown away materials most of which were heading for landfill or incineration. Materials used in the construction include toothbrushes, denim jeans, dvd cases, floppy discs, carpet tiles and construction waste. These materials have now been joined by used duvets from The University of Brighton’s halls of residence which are being used as insulation. Whilst oyster shells from the critically acclaimed English’s oyster bar have been mixed with waste aggregates from a neighbouring building site (Preston Barracks) to form wall tiles.”

 

The full interview can be listened to by clicking the link below:

ENVIRONMENT SECRETARY MICHAEL GOVE INTRODUCES NEW GOVERNMENT RESOURCES AND WASTE STRATEGY

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Resources and Waste Strategy promises end of ‘offshoring of waste’ and introduces new taxes on single use containers and packaging

A major new 147 page blueprint for sustainable resourcing and managing of waste has been unveiled by the Environment Secretary today (Tuesday 18 December 2018).  The Document aims at setting out how we will preserve material resources by minimising waste, promoting resource efficiency and moving towards a circular economy in England.

Upon launching the document today Mr. Gove said: “We will cut our reliance on single-use plastics, end confusion over household recycling, tackle the problem of packaging by making polluters pay, and end the economic, environmental and moral scandal that is food waste.”

 

In  response to the release today Duncan Baker-Brown says:

“Michael Gove is absolutely correct that waste is a valuable resource, but his focus on recycling and single-use material tax is short-sighted. The Resources and Waste Strategy does not unlock the massive potential of waste, and doesn’t go far enough in developing a Circular Economy that could bring huge financial and environmental benefits to the UK.

“We can introduce small measures like taxes and bins to change consumer behaviour and charge our manufacturers for using undesirable materials, but there’s so much to be gained from understanding a truly Circular Economy where repurpose and reuse is key.

“To put this into context, in 2017 the London Waste and Recycling Board (LWARB) identified that by 2036 a Circular Economy could provide London with net benefits of up to £7bn per annum, with up to 12,000 new jobs. That potential only ripples out across the country.

“The UK produces 600 million tonnes of waste every year. The main contributor to that is our construction industry, accounting for around 60% of all waste. There are already some fantastic innovators across the UK and around the world who are doing something to tackle this, including new tiles and bricks being made from crushed concrete and brick. But these innovations must be funded, fostered and focused on to allow us to change our throw-away culture.

“The Secretary of State’s strategy is welcome, but it’s a half measure. To understand the potential of reuse and repurpose we should be coming together to collaborate and find new ways to address our waste problem. Platforms such as industry-led Futurebuild with its dedicated Waste Zone allow that to happen, with academics, researchers, manufacturers, builders, designers and architects all in one place with one common purpose; to fully realise the benefits of a Circular Economy.”

 

full article on the government website can be found in the link below:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/gove-launches-landmark-blueprint-for-resources-and-waste

CHANGING PLANET SEMINAR

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Duncan’s Lecture at Grantham Institute now available online

Hosted by: The Grantham Institute for Climate Change and the Environment at Imperial College

Held on: 5th of December 2018 at Grantham Institute Building

The Lecture given as a part of ‘Changing Planet Seminar’, focused on role of Designers in supporting the Circular Economy and their responsibility for applying new strategies into the reuse of waste and disposable materials.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27bzTobpQMk&feature=youtu.be

 

 

TWO PLANNING PERMISSIONS IN ONE WEEK

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Planning Permission approved for a difficult Housing Development and a Phase II Office retrofit

We are delighted to announce that we have received planning permission for two of our ongoing projects.

Planning Permission approved for a difficult Housing Development and a Phase II Office retrofit work

Project One: 6 New Homes, Barcombe Cross, Lewes

Last week saw Lewes District Council’s planning committee grant outline planning approval for proposals to develop six new dwellings on a site outside the planning boundary of the rural village of Barcombe. The process started back in 2014 when BBM were approached by the clients, who had the plot for over forty years, to look into the feasibility of obtaining a planning permission for new housing on the site. BBM suggested a strategy of first promoting the plot for a site allocation through the local planning authority’s Strategic Land Availability Assessment. BBM then prepared a capacity study looking at the development potential which it then presented to the local Parish Council and local neighbours of the development. Feedback was taken on board and the quantum of development, with the clients blessing, was reduced from the twelve units to eventually six. With the assistance of planning consultants, Kember Loudon Williams, representations were made to the draft Local Plan Part 2 in January 2018 which were successful in gaining the plot an allocation in the draft Local Plan. At this point the team assessed there was a good chance the scheme would be positively received by the LPA so long as all the necessary supporting surveys and assessments were in place including ecological, heritage, arboricultural, soil contamination and transport reports as well as an outline drainage strategy. That assessment has now been proven correct with the planning committee granting the outline approval on the 21st November 2018.

Planning Permission approved for a difficult Housing Development and a Phase II Office retrofit work

Project Two: Community Base retrofit Phase II

The Community Base building located on Queens Road, Brighton, East Sussex currently houses nearly thirty charities and voluntary organisations. Through 2016 – 2017, BBM were involved in the initial phase of work as the building underwent a major refurbishment and upgrade of the facades including new windows, new wall insulation and cladding. The works have so far seen a 20% reduction in energy bills and a significant improvement to occupant comfort. These phase 2 works will see other elements of the six storey / 54 metre long building receive similar refurbishments and upgrades.

CHANGING PLANET SEMINAR WITH DUNCAN BAKER-BROWN

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Duncan Invited to Speak at Imperial College London Grantham Institute

Date: 05 Dec 2018
Time: 16:00 – 17:00
Venue: Business School 200, LT2
The Grantham Institute is located in building is #21 on this map.
Campus: South Kensington Campus

Full details

Register your free ticket

This Wednesday Duncan will be a keynote speaker at “Changing Planet Seminar” hosted by The Grantham Institute for Climate Change and the Environment at Imperial College. The subject of the seminar will revolve around the connection between the Designers, Products, Materials, Networks & Cities and examining their role in supporting the Circular Economy. It will also highlight the issue of new strategies for waste and disposable materials.

More details on subjects mentioned in the seminar can be found in The Re-Use Atlas: A designer’s guide to the circular economy

Duncan’s book is a highly illustrated ‘atlas’, taking the reader on a journey, via four distinct ‘steps’ (recycling, reuse, reduce, closed loop), from our current ‘linear economy’ towards a system emulating the natural world, i.e, a ‘circular economy’.  The atlas features over 25 detailed case studies describing design exemplars from the worlds of textile & fashion design, product design, interior architecture, architecture and urban design. The purpose is to show designers how they can successfully navigate the emerging field of resource management and the circular economy.

The Grantham Changing Planet Seminars run on a monthly basis during term time. They are held in the Grantham Institute Boardroom, and are followed by a drinks reception. Organisation of the seminar series is student led and supported by the Grantham Institute. The aim is to complement the diversity of research at Imperial College London and promote links to the broader environmental community in UK and beyond.

 

 

THE WASTE ZONE AT FUTUREBUILD 2019

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BBM returning to curate The Waste Zone once again

WasteZone Website

Futurebuild 2019 Website

Location: Excel London, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, London, E16 1XL

Planning your trip 

Dates: Tuesday 5th March until Thursday 7th March 2019

Get your free visitor ticket

Book a stand

THE WASTE ZONE AT FUTUREBUILD 2019

“Futurebuild is the evolution of ecobuild and fulfilment of the bold vision for the future that we first announced following the acquisition of the event at the end of 2016. Futurebuild 2019 brings together opinion-shapers, decision-makers and product innovators under a common purpose to explore the latest technologies and approaches, and debate the biggest issues facing the build environment – now and in the future – both in the UK and overseas.”

The Waste Zone will return to this year’s Futurebuild with new and extended features. Curated by our very own Duncan Baker-brown, the event space will contain a new Circular Economy Hub, a marketplace and new platform dedicated to direct interaction between visitors and manufacturers. This will allow for presentations of new and emerging materials, systems and groundbreaking ideas that will shape the future of sustainable construction industry. The Hub will be held in a unique and refreshing format of beach huts, developed and provided by the School of Architecture and Design at the University of Brighton. The exhibition space will be complemented by the Waste Zone seminar programme, which due to extraordinary success of 2018 will be further extended providing additional audience spaces. This years session will explore the ideas revolving around use of waste materials in the construction process and the use of existing and future buildings as material stores for the future.

With the focus is on creating a truly waste free experience, apart from the reusable exhibition beach huts, Futurebuild is also calling out for Cradle to Cradle Certified™ suppliers to provide their support in bring the Waste Zone to life.

The WasteZone discussions will be supported by an inspirational exhibition of the products, materials and buildings, as well as new digital platforms and films, which are enabling an emergent circular economy and proving “that there is no such thing as waste, just stuff in the ‘wrong place’.

THE WASTE ZONE AT FUTUREBUILD 2019